The biblical story of creation as found in the opening chapters of the Book of Genesis is neither a scientific essay nor a proof text. It is a poem — a hymn to the goodness of God. God pronounced creation “good” because God is good and, out of that generosity, willed all that is into being.
With that in mind, we might ask, so, what the heck happened? Why are things not good? It is tragic enough to endure the coronavirus outbreak in NYC; imagine a refugee camp or a prison. “Why” is a question that comes to mind.
What, then, is a “good” explanation for the coronavirus? You and I both know that, in the aftermath of any tragedy, the usual suspects trot out their “explanations” involving God’s punishment and the so-called End Times. They might cite isolated Bible verses.
Yet, as biblical scholar N.T. Wright recently claimed, it is not the Christian calling to explain suffering; it is our calling not to explain it! Not knowing how to explain tragedy is deeply biblical. This is called lament.
The Bible’s rich history of lament is primarily found in the Psalms. Questions, like “Why, God?” and “How long, O Lord?”, are left to hang in the air…on purpose! And why is that?
Here’s a timely anecdote: providing an answer is like replying to an e-mail — hit “send” and be done with it! But not knowing invites you to stay on the line. You stay in the relationship.
As followers of Jesus, specifically last Friday when we read the account of the crucifixion, we understand the last words of Jesus principally as lament. As Jesus hung on the cross, he let the question hang in the air — My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
We refer to the Friday before Easter as “good” not because Jesus provided any answers, but because he is The Answer: his death and resurrection embody our belief that, finally when all is said and done, there is nothing in life or even in death that can separate us from the love of God.
And so, as people of faith in God’s goodness and love, let us allow the questions hang in the air. As the old hymn puts it, “Where you there when they crucified my Lord?” Faith keeps us in relationship with God. And that is very good.
Andrew Taylor-Troutman is the pastor of Chapel in the Pines Presbyterian Church and author of “Gently Between the Words: Essays and Poems.” He is currently working from home with his wife and three children.